How is eczema diagnosed?

Several types of eczema with differing aetiologic factors may display a similar clinical picture, which makes an elaborate anamnesis mandatory. For diagnosing eczema we recommend the following diagnostic procedure:

I. Anamnesis

Onset of disease
Time flow of eczema and relations to certain activities (season, time of day, occupation, improvement during holidays, hobbies, stress etc.)
Does the localisation of eczema correlate with exposure to possible triggers (direct skin contact, food, animals)?
Which treatments have been performed (local/systemic) and how was the patient’s experience with these?
Contact to possible irritants and allergens (chemicals, detergents, metal, plants, leather or rubber gloves etc.)
Where is the eczema localised (hands, feet, face, neck, flexural folds of the extremities)?
Former dermatitis (atopic anamnesis)
Family history

II. Clinical examination

Total-body examination and documentation of skin changes, photography if indicated
Atopic criteria

III. Laboratory tests and skin tests (if indicated)

IgE, specific IgE
Prick testing
Patch testing
Atopy patch test
Exposition tests
Mycology, bacteriology
Histopathology